Prince Harry and Prince William face another tragic loss as uncle Lord Robert Fellowes dies at 82. Decades after losing their mom in a tragic accident, the royal brothers experience another loss from their maternal side with the death of Princess Diana’s brother-in-law. Aside from being a devout uncle, Lord Fellowes lived a life of servitude to the late Queen Elizabeth for years, helping her through the worst palace crisis. Lord Fellowes, husband to Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes served as the late monarch’s adviser for nine years.
During what the late queen dubbed her “annus horribilis,” Lord Robert Fellowes stood by her side, even as she watched the then Prince Charles’ marriage to Diana go up in flames, Princess Anne’s divorce, and Prince Andrew’s fallout with Sarah Ferguson, all attracting negative press. He also penned the first draft of Queen Elizabeth’s infamous address to the British public on the eve of Princess Diana’s Death.
In fact, Prince Harry and William’s uncle was so deeply involved in the whole scandal that he was namedropped as a possible conspirator in the Princess’ 1997 death. Lord Robert Fellowes denied the bizarre claims at some point, following Harrod owner Mohammed Al Fayed allegations of his involvement in the conspiracy to murder Princess Diana and his son Dodi, per DailyMail.
Born in Sandringham in 1941, Lord Robert Fellowes spent most of his life in the royal premises. His dad, Sir William ‘Billy’ Fellowes was the Sandringham estate manager from 1936 to 1964, while his mom Jane Fellowes was the daughter of the high sheriff of Northamptonshire, General Algemon Ferguson.
In 1960, he joined the Army, serving in the force for the next three years. His 1978 marriage to Lady Jane Spencer, the late Diana’s elder sister solidified his familial ties to the royals. He became brother-in-law to Diana the future Princess and future uncle to her kids Prince William and Harry. Notably, the then-unmarried Diana served as the bridesmaid at their wedding. His cause of death remains undisclosed. Lord Fellowes, who passed on on July 29, left behind his wife Lady Jane Spencer, and their three kids, Alexander Robert Fellowes, Eleanor Ruth Fellowes, and Laura Fellowes, Princess Charlotte’s godmother.
